Last updated: December 20, 2024
Abstract
Extremadura, Spain, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa and Csb. This region experiences significant temperature variability, with winter lows reaching as low as -9°C (17°F) in February, while summer months can see extreme highs of 45°C (113°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 16°C (62°F), reflecting the region's diverse climatic conditions and the influence of both continental and maritime air masses. Understanding these patterns is crucial for assessing regional climate impacts and adaptation strategies.
In Extremadura, Spain, temperature fluctuations throughout the year are notable, with winter months such as January and February experiencing minimums as low as -9°C (17°F) and average temperatures around 10°C (50°F), while maximums can reach up to 24°C (75°F). As spring progresses into summer, temperatures rise significantly, with July and August both peaking at 45°C (113°F), while the average increases to 26°C (79°F). The warmest month, July, shows a minimum of 5°C (42°F), contrasting sharply with winter lows. In autumn, temperatures moderate, with October averaging 18°C (64°F) and minimums around -2°C (28°F), illustrating the region's pronounced seasonal variability.
The temperature in Extremadura varies significantly across its key locations, including Merida, Caceres, and Jerte. In Merida, winter temperatures can drop to a minimum of -4°C (25°F) in January, while summer peaks reach 44°C (111°F) in August, reflecting a substantial seasonal difference; for detailed fluctuations, see the monthly temperature in Merida. Similarly, Caceres experiences winter lows of -3°C (27°F) in January, with summer maximums of 43°C (110°F) in August, making it vital to understand monthly temperature in Caceres for local climate awareness. In contrast, Jerte records a winter minimum of -8°C (18°F) in February, while its summer highs reach 36°C (98°F) in August, which can be explored further under monthly temperature in Jerte. This variability highlights the diverse climatic conditions found across Extremadura.
Precipitation in Extremadura exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the winter and spring months. January records 37 mm (1 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days, followed by February with 51 mm (2 in) across another 5 days. The wettest months are March and April, receiving 84 mm (3 in) and 80 mm (3 in) respectively, although April sees a higher frequency of rainy days at 12 compared to March's 8. As the region transitions into summer, rainfall sharply decreases, with June experiencing only 14 mm (1 in) over 3 days.
As summer progresses, Extremadura encounters a significant reduction in precipitation, with July and August recording minimal rainfall of 6 mm (0 in) and 8 mm (0 in) respectively, and only a single rainy day in August. September sees a slight uptick, returning to 35 mm (1 in) over 3 days. The autumn months of October and November begin to reintroduce higher rainfall, with October receiving 67 mm (3 in) over 5 days and November averaging 80 mm (3 in) across 10 days, while December concludes the year with 72 mm (3 in) of rain over 7 days. This precipitation pattern underscores the regional variability of water availability, crucial for local agriculture and ecosystems.
Extremadura is characterized by considerable sunshine duration throughout the year, with sunlight peaking during the summer months. In January, the region experiences 198 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 254 hours in February. As spring emerges, sunshine hours rise significantly, with March enjoying 318 hours and April reaching 341 hours. May marks the transition to summer, boasting 403 hours of sunshine, followed closely by June with 408 hours. This increasing trend culminates in July, where Extremadura basks in 432 hours of bright sunshine.
The decline in sunshine duration begins in late summer with August recording 403 hours, followed by September with 348 hours. As autumn approaches, October sees a decrease to 320 hours, while November and December experience further reductions, registering 251 hours and 238 hours respectively. This seasonal variation in sunshine underscores Extremadura's climate, highlighting its potential for agricultural productivity and outdoor activities during the peak sunlight months.
The UV Index in Extremadura demonstrates significant seasonal variation, reflecting the sun's intensity throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low at 3 and 5, respectively, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As spring unfolds, March and April see an increase, with values rising to 7 and 9. This upward trend continues into May, with a peak UV Index of 10, signaling that protective measures should be considered during outdoor activities.
Summer months present the highest UV Index levels, with June reaching 12, making it crucial for residents and visitors to adopt effective sun protection strategies. In July and August, the index slightly decreases to 11 and 10, yet remains in a range that warrants caution. As summer transitions to autumn, September and October record a decline to 9 and 7, respectively, while the UV Index further drops in November and December to 4 and 3. These variations highlight the importance of seasonal awareness for maintaining skin health in Extremadura.
UV Risk Categories
In Extremadura, the average daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the progressive changes in seasons. January offers just 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. Spring marks a notable increase, with March providing 11 hours and April peaking at 13 hours. As May approaches, daylight reaches its maximum of 14 hours, further sustained throughout June and July, before beginning to decline.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration starts to decrease, with August returning to 13 hours and September following with 12 hours. October sees an additional reduction to 11 hours, while November and December experience the shortest days of the year, each averaging 9 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern of daylight hours in Extremadura is essential for understanding the region’s agricultural practices and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Cáceres, Spain, experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from -3°C (27°F) in January to 43°C (109°F) in July, with frequent peaks in summer months. Precipitation is moderate, particularly in spring and autumn, accumulating 72 mm in March and 66 mm in November. Sunshine duration is generous, with July boasting the highest at 433 hours. For more details, visit Caceres climate.
Jerte, Spain, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -8°C (19°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), while July peaks at an average of 22°C (73°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in spring and autumn, with March receiving 147 mm (6 in) and November 151 mm (6 in), while summer months like July and August are relatively dry with around 13 mm (1 in) and 17 mm (1 in) respectively. Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with a maximum of 434 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Jerte climate.
Merida, Spain, experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), while July sees highs of up to 44°C (111°F). Precipitation is more common in spring and autumn, with March recording the highest at 70 mm (3 in), while summer months are relatively dry. The city enjoys a generous amount of sunshine, peaking in July with 432 hours. For more detailed information, visit Merida climate.
In conclusion, Extremadura, Spain, presents a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. The region's Mediterranean climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, fosters a unique environment that significantly impacts local agriculture and outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic nuances—from the intense summer heat and pronounced sunshine to the relatively mild UV exposure in the cooler months—allows residents and visitors to effectively plan their activities and safeguard their health. As climate patterns continue to evolve, the significance of this knowledge will only increase, underscoring the importance of adapting to and preserving the natural beauty and resources of Extremadura.